Adult Swim (stylized as [adult swim]) is an American adult-oriented nighttime programming block of the basic cable network Cartoon Network that is programmed by its in-house production studio, Williams Street which also produces original programs for the block for adult audiences. Marketed as a separate network for ratings purposes, Adult Swim currently broadcasts nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. ET/PT. The name of the block references a common policy at public swimming pools to have time interval periods in which only adults are allowed. Adult Swim's main headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Debuting in 2001, Adult Swim serves as the nighttime identity of Cartoon Network and it was established as alternative programming during late night and prime time hours when Cartoon Network's primary target audience, children between the ages of 7 and 15, would normally be sleeping. In 2005, Adult Swim was granted its own Nielsen ratings report from Cartoon Network due to it targeting a separate demographic and is measured separately by Neilsen as its own network. The block features stylistically varied animated and live-action shows, including original programming, syndicated series, anime, original video animations and short films with generally minimal or no editing for content. The network is also known for its unique commercial bumpers as well as for airing anime and action series through its Toonami block and classic Cartoon Network series through its Checkered Past block. In addition, Adult Swim has a video game division, Adult Swim Games, that publishes indie video games as well as video games based on their series.
Adult Swim has frequently aired adult animation and live-action features and sitcoms, mockumentaries, sketch comedy, parodies, satirical series, and pilots. The block's shows are known for their black comedy, sexual themes, frank sexual discussion, nudity, strong language and graphic violence. Many of its programs are esthetically experimental, transgressive, improvised and surrealist in nature. Adult Swim has contracted with various studios known for their productions in absurd and shock comedy.
As with Cartoon Network, Adult Swim's reach through various services totals 94 million American households. The network is known for many of its original series including Rick and Morty, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, The Venture Bros., Metalocalypse, Robot Chicken, The Boondocks, Smiling Friends, Primal, Moral Orel, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, The Brak Show, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law, Sealab 2021, and many others. The network is also known for airing syndicated programs such as Family Guy, Futurama, American Dad!, King of the Hill, and Bob's Burgers. Rick and Morty premiered on Adult Swim on December 2, 2013. Its anime spin-off series, Rick and Morty: The Anime premiered on Adult Swim on August 15, 2024.
The Canadian version of Adult Swim launched as a late-night programming block on Cartoon Network Canada on July 4, 2012; and as a standalone channel on April 1, 2019. Rick and Morty initially premiered on Adult Swim Canada on January 10, 2016.